Whether you’ve spent the day wafting in the sunshine on Bo Phut beach or been lolling around your pool in Chaweng, the chances are you’re going to start thinking about mouth-watering food. Luckily, you’re near to one of the most hip and happening places on the island. The Fisherman’s Village at Bo Phut is packed with excellent restaurants and cool cafes, chic bars and stylish boutiques. A highlight of many holidays, this charming part of town keeps calling you back for more food and shopping!

Ideally located to the north-east of the island, Fisherman’s Village, as its name implies, was once a fishing community. Nowadays, the fishermen have gone but the quaint narrow streets with wooden buildings still remain. The beach, with its golden sand and aquamarine waters, is as beautiful as ever and the perfect setting for golden sunsets…

At Fisherman’s Village there are plenty of clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants on the beach where you can watch the sun go down. This place really does have somewhere for everyone - whether that’s a lively bar with DJs, an elegant boutique hotel with an expensive menu, a pristine beach club with a pool, a buzzing cocktail bar or just a peaceful cafe directly on the sand, perfect for chilling.

Every night is special in this part of the world but Friday is the big one! People come from all over the island to visit the Walking Street Market. All 860 metres of the pedestrianised street is filled with stores or vendors offering all kinds of great food - local Thai cuisine like Pad Thai and banana pancakes, European fast-food, even Indian fayre. You’re almost guaranteed to find things you’ve never tried before - anyone for quail eggs on a stick or crocodile meat?

Once you’ve filled up, there are lot of stalls to investigate. The people here love to haggle and you should be able to walk away with a bargain - whether that’s a t-shirt, pair of sunglasses, sandals, hippy chic dresses, jewelry or electrical goods. And, if you can’t find what you want on the street then Fisherman Village has some gorgeous boutique shops with more exquisite and expensive finds.

Friday night is also buzzing with street entertainers. Fire-eaters, traditional Thai dancers, beatboxers or street artists are all out to grab your attention and a few baht! It’s best to head to here early if you want to avoid the big crowds but if you really do want to escape the pack there are markets on Monday and Wednesday night too and there is a small traditional Thai market each night called the Elephant Walk Koh Samui.

The Wharf Samui is a new shopping mall opened in 2014. At the western end of Fisherman’s Village, it is next to the beach and is an open-air shopping mall filled with more local shops offering the kinds of wares you’ll never find on the high street. The mall has the same design as the quaint old streets of the Fisherman’s Village and has some fantastic restaurants to try as well as a children’s play area and diving school.

Fisherman’s Village remains one of visitor’s favourite places on Koh Samui. It’s good to know that it’s just a fifteen-minute drive from Samui Airport to this beloved part of the island - so what’s to stop you starting and finishing your holiday in this top spot?

And, if hopping in a taxi or strolling up the beach sounds just too much hassle then you have arguably one of the best beaches in Samui right on your doorstep – check out some of our properties, the soft, white sands of Plai Laem are so close and relatively quiet that you may just feel you’ve landed on your own private beach.

Back to that beach; the waters at Plai Laem are extra calm thanks to the offshore coral. The sea here feels even warmer than neighbouring beaches and it’s excellent for paddling, swimming and snorkeling. And, if your idea of heaven is a place without jet skis and motorboats then this is the place. The white, soft sand of Plai Laem are about 2 km long so there is plenty of room to wander along and find your own perfect place to sunbathe, swim, read and relax. If you feel like exploring, the tiny island Koh Som is just opposite and around 700 metres away – some people are up for the swim but getting there by boat or kayak is best.

It feels quiet in this secluded nook of the island but there are a handful of shops selling the basics. Exclusive holiday resorts like the Six Senses Hideaway offer fabulous local cuisine, pamper spas and yoga packages. The Ritz Carlton recently opened its doors and visitors are raving about its five-star facilities and sublime jungle/sea setting. Wherever you land up at the end of the day, you’ll get a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

Another draw to this quiet corner of the island is Wat Plai Laem temple – many would say that if you visit just one temple on Samui then make this the one. This Buddhist temple was completed in the early 2000s, but the combination of traditional Thai and Chinese temple design give it a timeless air. This is an active temple with residence monks and a school, so visitors are expected to be respectful and cover up. The mood is mellow; there is just a small coffee shop and visitors can buy food to feed the greedy catfish that live in the ponds around the ordination hall.

At Plai Laem expect days of utter peace and tranquility. Yet, if it’s nightlife and fine dining or other amazing beaches to explore that you want too then all that and much more is just ten minutes away – who said you couldn’t have your coconut cassava cake (a Thai speciality) and eat it?

Real Samui Properties has some gorgeous properties in and around Plai Laem:

A selection of luxurious, hillside villas from which to choose. Imagine a place where contemporary and tropical style meet. The bamboo frontage and granite finish complement each other when set against the tropical backdrop and views to Chaweng Bay. Private infinity-edge pools and fabulous open-plan European fitted kitchen complete the look.

A bespoke masterpiece, this innovative five bedroom villa has been designed by an award-winning architect who truly appreciates how to make create the ultimate tropical getaway. Each of the 5 double ensuite bedrooms has its own views to the ocean. With its gym and spa, infinity pool with jacuzzi, a sun terrace with a lotus pond, every guest will feel pampered and relaxed at this special place...

A rare opportunity to acquire land with sweeping panoramic views of Chaweng Bay. The beach is within walking distance of this hillside plot and there is already a road in place for you to develop your ultimate bespoke tropical island home...

Firstly, let’s consider the type of location. In island destinations where tourists come to enjoy the beaches, not surprisingly, beachfront properties are the most sought after by holiday makers and command the highest rental rates. Some luxury rental management companies have portfolios made entirely of beachfront property. There are of course different segments within beachfront rental markets, sunset-facing soft sandy beaches commanding the premium rates.

Beachfront land tends to be extremely expensive and for most people owning beachfront real estate is likely to be beyond their reach. Properties within a short walk of the beach, sea view properties and waterfront properties can all be considered within a second-tier market segment. These will also have great appeal for holiday makers and command good rental rates. However, comparing like-for-like properties, the rental rates in this market segment will of course be considerably lower than for absolute beachfront.

You also need to consider the proximity of the location to restaurants, nightlife, the airport, shopping and the islands amenities. In Koh Samui, most of the above are found within the north-east of the island. Renting in the north-east is therefore considered a plus point by most holiday makers. Here is an example of a garden view pool villa located in the north-east of the island at Bo Phut achieving an exceptional rental return of 10%: https://www.real-samui-properties.com/property-for-sale-2-bed-balinese-style-garden-villa-bo-phut-100062 . An exception where not being in the most popular region north-east could be an advantage would be for very high-end exclusive properties where more seclusion is required. An example in Koh Samui is Lipa Noi Beach. This is a 3 kilometre stretch of soft golden sand with no rocks, amazing sunsets and year-round swimming. The neighbourhood is characterised by high-end beach villas. This beach land listing https://www.real-samui-properties.com/land-for-sale-2983-sqm-of-beach-land-lipa-noi-west-coast-100066 is a rare example of pure soft sandy beachfront real estate still available for sale on Koh Samui.

In summary, as with anywhere else, choosing your location carefully is critical when buying a rental property in Koh Samui. Consider the type of location (beachfront, sea view, distance from the beach etc.) along with the region within Koh Samui; the north-east being the most desirable for the average holiday maker.

Finally, if you rent out a new property then you can no longer market the property as ‘new’ if you decide to sell up. Renting a property out for a year will create more wear and tear than if it’s being used as a holiday home.

Whether you’re in it for the business, you’re just looking to generate a small income which enables you to live out your retirement in style or you want a holiday home that pays its way, then many opportunities exist in the Samui property market.

Buying a freehold condominium may seem like a better choice due to the more secure ownership. However, even purely from an investment standpoint, and setting aside personal preferences, buyers need to weigh up the pros and cons of all aspects of the property development in question. In Koh Samui, unlike Pattaya or Phuket, there is only a very small supply of freehold condominiums. This is largely because, in Samui, there is only a small amount of land that is within the require zone needed to be granted a condominium licence. Therefore, if you decide to solely focus on freehold condominiums, you will severely limit the number of property options available to you. In Koh Samui, there are far more ‘regular’ apartments for sale than freehold condominiums. Many of these will offer a protected leasehold structure, the next most secure ownership type behind freehold. Along with the ownership type, buyers need to consider factors such as location, views, rental returns and potential for capital gain.

3. Prime Location
Get to know the island and location before you settle on a property. Make sure that is easily accessible and in a location that has good access to the a range of bars, restaurants, beaches and attractions. Ensure your guests will be able to completely unwind, and relax in a convenient location.

4. Private Pool
A private pool makes for a great addition to a holiday rental property and a huge selling point. Allow your guests to enjoy the privacy of their own swimming pool and help them cool off from the Koh Samui sunshine in the comfort of their own place.

5. Great Amenities
Once you've found the perfect holiday rental property on Koh Samui, you need to think about the amenities you can offer to stay ahead of your competition. Think about offering free WiFi, advice on getting to and from the property, gearing the property up to include all of their entertainment, kitchen and onsite needs, and start to think about the different hints and tips you could offer to help your guests make the most out of their holiday to Koh Samui.

With these points mind, it's hard not to notice that the Ocean 180 development at Bo Phut certainly ticks all the boxes, they have some stunning prime-location sea view villas available each with their own private pool i.e. ideal holiday rental properties!

STEP 3.SEARCH ONLINE AND CHOOSE YOUR AGENT(S)
You want to be able to research and evaluate all suitable properties on Samui without dealing with too many agents. It advisable to decide upon one or two independent agents. Look for an independent agent with a diverse portfolio who is responsive, experienced and knowledgeable. By firing off some emails and assessing the timing and content of their responses, it will not take you long to see which agents offer the quality of service and guidance you require.

STEP 4.BOOK YOUR INITIAL VIEWING APPOINTMENTS
Following your online research about the Samui property market and your dialogue with your agent(s) of choice, you will be a position to decide upon your initial shortlist of properties and schedule the first round of viewing appointments.

STEP 5.VIEW PROPERTIES IN KOH SAMUI
This is the fun part and involves the physical viewing of properties when you actually arrive in Koh Samui. Seeing a reasonably broad selection of properties is advisable. Though it can be quite mentally wearing, this is the only way you will really understand the market. Every time you go on a viewing you are discovering more about the region and finding out about what you really want. Properties of serious interest will merit second viewings as you work towards a final shortlist.

STEP 6.NARROWING DOWN THE SHORTLIST AND CHOOSING YOUR PROPERTY
Take time to compare and contrast the properties on your shortlist and weigh up what’s going to work for you. Properties on your final shortlist will be viewed two or maybe three times. Be objective and narrow down the list to decide upon a property based on your investment criteria.

STEP 7.CHOOSE YOUR LAWYER!
Many people will view properties and even decide on a property and make an offer before meeting a lawyer. However, it is advisable to at least have an initial consultation with a lawyer(s) and decide which lawyer you will be engaging before committing to a property purchase. Most lawyers will explain the ownership options and give you some initial guidance before they have been officially engaged. Once you have chosen a lawyer, you will in a position to officially engage them and quickly move forward with a purchase.

STEP 8.MAKING AN OFFER AND NEGOTIATING
Making offers and negotiating is done through your real estate agent. Remember, in Thailand people expect you to negotiate. Always stay calm, and, stick to your budget!

STEP 9.PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT
When you have finally found the property you want and agreed on the price, then it’s time to sign a reservation agreement and pay a holding deposit. If you are buying in a development, the developer will normally have a standard reservation agreement. If you are buying a stand-alone property, you can use your lawyer to draft the agreement. Either way, the agreement should state that your deposit is fully refundable if, following the due diligence process, any legal reason is uncovered which indicates that you should not proceed with the purchase. By paying the deposit, you show the seller that you are committed to buying the property and in turn they take the property off the market for the period specified in the reservation agreement.

STEP 10. DUE DILIGENCE
Before you actually complete on any property and take ownership, it is of course of fundamental importance that you get your appointed legal representative to carry out all the necessary legal checks, commonly known as conducting due diligence. The main areas of consideration for legal due diligence are the following:

Does the property have legal right of access?

Is the property unencumbered, i.e. free from any mortgages, liens or debts?

Does the seller have the proper legal rights to sell the property?

Does the property breach any regulations concerning real estate in Koh Samui?

If the property is being sold with a company, does the company have any outstanding debts or tax liabilities?

Note, a lawyer’s due diligence only checks for any legal reasons why you should not proceed. You need to carry out your own due diligence to assess risk. For example, if buying from a developer, you should ask, how well funded is the developer and to what extent are they relying on sales to pay for construction? This is an indicator of their level of exposure to a downturn in the property market. Or, does the developer have a proven track record of completed properties in Koh Samui or elsewhere as reassurance for high quality timely delivery? Proper due diligence is essential for the purchase of any property, especially in Thailand; it is imperative that everything is in order and you are totally satisfied before you complete and take ownership.

STEP 11.TIME TO COMPLETE AND SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE
Once you are totally and utterly satisfied that due diligence has been completed and that there are no legal or other reasons why you should not proceed then you are ready to complete.
If you are buying a finished property, you would pay the balance in full at the same time as you sign the sales and purchase agreement. If you are buying an off-plan property or a property under construction, you would sign the sales and purchase agreement, a construction agreement and pay the first instalment as per the agreed payment schedule.

STEP 12.PROPERTY HANDOVER
Finally, you can take possession of your new home. Reality usually hits when you are handed the keys. Don’t get too carried away in the moment though, make sure you are given all relevant documents and guarantees and that all fixtures and fittings are in place.

But, whilst you’re still thinking everything through we thought we’d help you out and list some of our favourite beaches in Koh Samui.

1. Chaweng Beach

Situated on the north-east east coast of Koh Samui, the tourist hub of Chaweng naturally developed around one of the islands best beaches with deep soft sand, year-round swimming and few rocks. If you’re looking for stunning white powdery sand beaches and turquoise waters, with a buzzing nightlife and restaurant scene then Chaweng is for you!

2. Choeng Mon Beach

Heading north from Chaweng along the coast road and you arrive at Choeng Mon Beach and Village. This is arguably the best beach on the island with beautiful soft sand, calm water and far less hustle and bustle than the main tourist town of Chaweng. Also, in this north-eastern tip of the island are a number of smaller charming beaches and bays including Tongsai Bay, Tong Son Beach and Samrong Bay. This north-eastern peninsula is characterised by 5-star resorts and exclusive private residences.

3. Lamai Beach

Lamai Town is second in size to Chaweng but offers a more chilled-out backpacker feel. However, it still has lots of bars, restaurants, spas and tourist sites for you to explore. On this beach, the sea gets deep quickly and its great if you want to enjoy the waves but be careful of the tides.

4. Laem Sor Beach

Located on the island’s southern tip, Laem Sor Beach is ideal for those seeking soft sands in a less developed more tranquil setting. Please check out this immaculate headland villa

5. Bo Phut Beach

This beach is sandwiched between Big Buddha and Maenam and boasts the charming Fisherman’s Village, which is definitely a place to visit. With its walking street and a distinctly Mediterranean feel it, Fisherman’s Village is well known for its array of fine dining and chic beachfront bars.

6. Maenam Beach

With excellent views of Koh Phangan and long rambling pathways to explore, Maenam Beach is the perfect getaway location and also offers some of the deepest year-round water making it ideal for water sports.

7. Lipa Noi Beach

One of the best beaches for kids as it has fine white sand, very few rocks and only a little coral in the water, it also remains shallow for up to 100m out. It’s also closely located to the island’s main ferry pier making it convenient for anyone driving to Samui from the mainland. With beautiful sand and awe-inspiring sunsets, yet less populated than the North-East or Lamai, Lipa Noi Beach is also where you will find some of the islands most exclusive beachfront villas.

Security issues: most management agencies employ private security companies to protect the developments. However, many security companies, and management companies, take no responsibility and liability in the event of loss or damage. Ensure you take out your own insurance for your individual property.

Before you sign your agreement, make sure there are no significant exclusions – for example, extra payments for cleaning the communal pool may turn out to be more expensive than you think!

WHAT ARE TYPICAL COSTS?
Fees are normally paid monthly and most are charged on a price per square metre of built-up area of the property. A typical fee would be 50 Thai Baht (THB) per square metre a month. So, a 300 square metre villa would have a monthly fee of around 15,000 THB. Some developments charge a simple flat rate not related to the property’s area – e.g. a 12,000 THB for all villas per month.

POSSIBLE PITFALLS

Are you paying for common areas too? In your agreement, there is a distinction between private areas and common areas and a proportion of the common areas can be included in the fees. Before you sign any agreement, make sure you know what you are paying for. These ‘hidden’ extras may not appear much at first but add up over time. Generally, you should be paying for the floor area of the building of which you have exclusive use.

Find out whether the fees are fixed or based on the actual costs incurred by the management company. If the fees are based on actual expense, then shortfalls in expenditure will have to be made up for by the property owners. Be wary of certain management companies that will use this system to increase their own profit. One way around this problem is to make sure that the owners have collective control over decision making and expenditure so that costs do not run over.

Ensure that the contract with the management company is watertight in terms of increasing fees. Restrictions on increasing the fees need to be there in black and white in the contract!

Do not overlook when the fees are payable. They are typically paid for in advance and on a monthly basis, although some developers ask for two years’ fees in advance upon purchase. Also, confirm the start date for management fees; it is in the buyer’s interest to start paying fees only when the development is fully operational. In short, it is a shrewd move to add the following to the agreement with the management company: “management and maintenance fees commence from the date of delivery of vacant possession, provided all common areas and facilities are fully operational.”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
In general, there are some excellent management companies in Samui. Some people think they must buy within a managed development. i.e. they do not want to buy a stand-alone property because they are worried about the security, management and maintenance. But in Samui there are a number of very reputable and professional property management companies who will take care of your property when you are not using it. However, there are some bad guys too and at the end of the day, if your building is not properly maintained then it will quickly show its age and depreciate in value. Make sure that your contract allows for the removal and replacement of a management company. Remember, maintenance of your building is crucial. Check and check again that the contract with the management company is as you want it. This is your dream holiday home and we want it to stay that way!

NOTE:*Property management is separate from rental management. The rental management of properties is sometimes done in-house by the development management company and sometimes by an independent rental manager. Regarding rental management, the fees are normally 15-20% of each rental booking for short term rentals and 10% of the total rental fee for long term lets.